Bartonella Antibodies

This test is referred to another lab outside our network
This does not affect where samples are sent and where your results are issued.
Description: 
This test is no longer available in the UK. Samples can be sent to Unite de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), referral laboratory in Marseille, France for Bartonella Antibody testing. IgG and IgM are assayed seperately by indirect immunofluorescence. Diagnosis can also be made by molecular testing of tissue (lymph nodes and biopsies) using the 16s rDNA PCR assay, performed by Great Ormond Street Hospital (GoSH) Microbiology. Please discuss with a Consultant Microbiologist to confirm whether molecular testing of tissue is suitable or if serological testing is required.
Clinical details: 
Bartonella species cause a range of clinical syndromes including cat scratch disease (usually a self-limiting febrile illness with local lymphadenopathy), trench fever and blood culture negative endocarditis. Infection in immunocompromised hosts may lead to disseminated infection involving visceral organs, the eye, skin and brain. B. hensleae and B. quintana are the commonest implicated species.
Sample type and Volume required: 
2.5 – 5ml Yellow Top Serum Separation Tube (SST) Clotted Blood (for serum).
Turnaround time: 
14 working days
Storage and transport: 
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). To prevent sample haemolysis please store samples in refrigerator if a delay in sending samples to CSR is unavoidable.
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730


For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.

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Last updated: 06/10/2023